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March 24, 2026
脱颖而出(脫穎而出)tuōyǐng’érchū(tuo1ying3er2chu1)
脱颖而出 is an idiom that means to reveal one's talent or to stand out from the crowd. It is commonly used to describe someone who excels in their field, particularly after a period of hard work or competition, thereby distinguishing themselves from others.
Frequency#10492DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of standing out or distinguishing oneself is highly valued in Chinese culture, particularly in academic and professional settings, where competition is fierce. This idiom reflects the collective aspiration to achieve excellence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp needle (the character 脱) that stands out from a pile of fabric (颖), representing a talent that pierces through the ordinary. The phrase can be visualized as a brilliant flower (出) blooming in a field, showcasing its beauty and uniqueness.
Meanings of 脱颖而出
tuōyǐng’érchū(tuo1ying3er2chu1)
1to reveal one's talent (idiom)
2to rise above others
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About 脱颖而出
脱颖而出Simplified
脫穎而出Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 脱颖而出
Podcast: 脱颖而出
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AI Study Notes for 脱颖而出
Quick Contrast
崭露头角 (zhǎnlùtóujiǎo) — use 脱颖而出 when emphasizing the process of standing out through effort, rather than just the act of revealing talent.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp needle (the character 脱) that stands out from a pile of fabric (颖), representing a talent that pierces through the ordinary. The phrase can be visualized as a brilliant flower (出) blooming in a field, showcasing its beauty and uniqueness.
Usage Notes
This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, often to commend someone's achievements. Be cautious with the tone; it is typically used in a positive light. Common collocations include '在竞争中脱颖而出' (to stand out in competition).
HSK Study Tips
While this idiom is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its components can help learners relate it to other HSK level vocabulary that discusses talents and achievements. Focus on the individual characters and their meanings.
Cultural Note
The concept of standing out or distinguishing oneself is highly valued in Chinese culture, particularly in academic and professional settings, where competition is fierce. This idiom reflects the collective aspiration to achieve excellence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases. For example, saying '脱颖而出' when referring to someone who just started learning something can be incorrect; it’s best used for those who have demonstrated significant ability.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脱颖而出
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Cultural Notes for 脱颖而出
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of standing out or distinguishing oneself is highly valued in Chinese culture, particularly in academic and professional settings, where competition is fierce. This idiom reflects the collective aspiration to achieve excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions about 脱颖而出
Yes, 脱颖而出 is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing achievements.
Yes, 'to rise above the rest' or 'to stand out from the crowd' conveys a similar meaning.
The correct pronunciation is 'tuō yǐng ér chū', with tones being important for clarity.
